I went to Project Machinery, at High Wycombe, today to collect my Bantam and a 240V Startrite bandsaw. Both are now installed in the workshop.
On Monday I hope to speak to Dave first, then go up to Nottingham, to Direct Drives, and buy a digital inverter/converter. Wire up – position the Bantam and then really begin to learn to turn metal.

Yesterday I did a job for a client which involved modifying a gun stock. Even just with the little Myford, it was so nice to be able to put a bar into the chuck, turn it, and fit it into the woodwork

It is strange being nearly 70 and having the excitement levels of a 15 year old.

Richard Brown of Project Machinery gets my endorsement.
A grand chap to do business with. When I'm ready for a mill, I certainly give Richard a ring first.

Hello John. Thank you for your encouragement.
The selection of an appropriate converter does fill me with some trepidation. I understand the physics of electrical processes, but have no practical experience. Unless it is mind-blowingly simple, I will employ a suitably qualified electrician to wire the machine/converter into the domestic supply.
I'm confident with domestic household electrics, but 420V kills.

It appears that I have, inadvertently, misled you with regard to the bandsaw.
Though the Startrite that I have bought will cut (sheet & some non-ferrous) metal, it is primarily a woodworking machine. I do a lot of woodturning and the bandsaw is required to cut up green logs and seasoned planks.

As I understand it Ennech, I need a converter – because the Bantam motor is two speed, so 2 / 1Hp windings.
Apparently not every inverter will meet the requirements of the lathe.

If you would like to PM me the details of the unit you have available, including the price you are asking for it, I would be very happy hear from you.

KR
Jack

John, I have found your "Transwave static convertor manf. by Power Capacitors rated at 0.37kW – 3.0kW", on Google.

I will have a read through during the evening, then phone them tomorrow
I'm also going to phone Dave at Direct Drives tomorrow. I'm sure that I'll be able to sort something out during the week.

As to the bandsaw, I have found, encapsulated within the covers a mass of info for cutting a host of materials.
Including up to 2" steel.

Hello Bob.

Yes I went up to Direct Drives in Kirkby. Met Dave, and the very gracious lady in reception.

I came a way with one of their D2 range and it is now fitted, with an isolator unit in the workshop.
I am waiting for an electrician from the Northampton ME club to arrive on Thurs/Friday to complete the circuitry.

All being well, by the weekend, I will be up and running.
Though I suspect that I will have to get in the queue behind a number of people who want to try it out

One of my first tasks was to make a small knurled, 5mm threaded knob for her sewing machine. I thought that would be an acceptable bribe. However, the response was "Oh, at last, I asked for this 15 years ago."
Which interpreted, means, that I could have safely gone out and spent £2K on a Bantam 15 years ago.
How stupid am I ?????

I have a box full of wooden light pulls Neil. All my offcuts of timber get made into light-pulls, barrettes or pens.

I'll gladly put some photos up Bob. Will do it tomorrow.
I'm having a lot of fun finding out what the Bantam is capable of. I've made 5 small pieces [including Val's knurled knob] that various neigbours have requested. I have a spacer to make for the Volvo handbrake cable tomorrow.
I've even made a fairly peurile attempt at screw cutting. You would be horrified – but it looked like a screw thread to me.

Bob, I've put up some pics of the Bantam power-up. Plus the set of collets, from 1/16" – 1-1/2" that came with the lathe [amongst many other items -but the collet set is pristine]
The lathe performs faultlessly. I'm becoming familiar with the sliding and surfacing power feed.